The Legacy (Ambrosine Book 2)

by Noreen Harrison

  “I was here to watch over Robert, before your friend here decided he wanted to rip my head off.”

  “Sorry about that. Are all of you back at Marguerite’s now?”

  “Yes, and she’s almost ready for you.”

  “Ready for what?” Phillip asked, but I focused on Marista.

  “Is it the ritual?” She didn’t answer. Phillip stepped toward her aggressively.

  “Answer her!”

  “I’m not saying anything in front of you.”

  He grabbed her arm.

  “Phillip, no!” I yelled.

  “You’re lucky this time.” He shoved her back so hard that she hit a small shrub behind her, crushing it. She pushed herself up quickly, not fazed at all. Her eyes went cold as ice, and she lunged at him. I jumped between them, stopping them coming to blows, and pushed them away from each other.

  “Marista, stop now. I’ve protected you twice. There won’t be a third time.”

  “So, you will protect me?”

  “Yes,” I said looking over at Phillip as he glared at me.

  “Why would you want to protect her?”

  I stood there, trying to find the right words.

  “Phillip, don’t you see?” Marista said. She moved closer to me, touching my shoulder. I felt the cold from her hand as she went on in a venomous tone.

  “Alixia has made her choice.”

  “What choice?”

  “To be with Marcus and us, of course. That’s why she stopped you from destroying me. Right, Alixia?”

  “Marista, just leave.”

  She pursed her lips together, and evil took over her angelic face.

  “Alixia, it’s alright. Don’t get upset, you did the right thing. I will go back and tell Marcus that your allegiance is with him and not this lowlife creature that murders our kind.”

  “Marista, go right now before I change my mind!”

  She put up her hands.

  ”I’m going.” She started walking away, and then turned back. “Oh, Alixia, is there anything you want me to tell Marcus?”

  Phillip lowered his eyes. I sensed he was questioning whether I would betray him. I turned toward her.

  “Tell him that next time, I won’t protect you.”

  She glared at me, and ran into the woods.

  “Phillip,” I said pleadingly, turning my attention to him. “It wasn’t as she said.”

  “How was it then?”

  “ I admit she was testing me. But it wasn’t for Marcus that I was saving her. It was for us. I know she will help us when the time comes.”

  “What do you mean, she will help us? She’s a Dark One. There is no way she will ever do that.”

  “She will. I have a sense about her. I can’t really describe it.”

  “Well, I can. Foul, revolting and loathsome.”

  “Phillip, say what you want about her but I don’t think I’m wrong. She will help us.”

  He walked toward the car.

  “You don’t have to be a part of this,” he glared at me. “What is it with you and these Dark Ones? Can’t you see what they are? They have no souls. They’re coldhearted creatures that prey on the innocent, with no remorse.”

  “ Phillip, they’re not all like that.”

  “Dammit, Alixia, they even took your parents, and you’re still defending them!”

  He opened the door for me, went to the driver’s side and got in. I stood in the street for a moment.

  What am I doing?

  “Alixia, are you getting in!”

  “Yes.”

  He shifted the gears and we were on our way. I sat there quietly, not wanting to stir the pot again. After a few minutes of silence, Phillip reached over and switched on the radio, and then turned onto the back road to my home.

  A blues love song came on. I closed my eyes and leaned back, listening. Suddenly, Phillip stopped the car, reached over and cranked up the music.

  “Come on.”

  “What?”

  He walked to the front of the car and stood there in the headlights, looking at me.

  “Phillip, what are you doing?” He put out his arms, motioning for me. I smiled and walked into his embrace.

  ”Is this your way of saying we’re okay now?”

  “Maybe.”

  He put his hand on my back and I leaned into his shoulder, dancing to the soulful sound of the music.

  “Phillip, this is nice.”

  “Yes, it is,” he said, breathing me in. I looked up at him, and stopped dancing.

  “I‘m sorry you’re having a hard time understanding why I want to protect them. But they’re not like Marcel’s Family. I’ve met them, and they’re different. They don’t take souls, as you will see if you come to Marguerite’s with me.”

  He shook his head.

  “Alixia, it’s not going to happen. Marguerite has to trust me first.”

  “Why wouldn’t she trust you? You want to help.”

  “ I want to help you stay safe. Not them. And Marguerite knows it. I’m not like you, Alixia.”

  “What?”

  “Alixia, you’re different than the rest of us. Haven’t you noticed that? Your powers are far stronger, and you can tolerate the nefarious Dark Ones, which we can’t. Being around them makes our skin crawl, and the stench of their vile evil is repulsive to us all. Just like Marista. I would have enjoyed ripping her head off, and done so with no remorse if you hadn’t stopped me.”

  “Phillip, you’re still not seeing it. She wasn’t there to take Robert’s soul. She was watching over him. Why would you take her life?”

  “See what I mean? You’re questioning why, and none of us would. Alixia, it’s our legacy. That’s what we do, we are all born to kill vampires. You are different, and that’s why Marguerite accepts you. You’re like her, you can be around them without aversion. But you’re changing the order of things, and that’s not good. So, if Marguerite has something else planned…“

  “Phillip” I said, putting my hand on his chest and sensing his apprehension.” I told you, I don’t know what it is.”

  “What did you see in that Dark One’s head? I know you were in there. Did you find out what kind of ritual it is?”

  “No. Marista was like Marcus. Neither of them knows yet what she has planned. I guess we will just have to wait, as she said.” He grimaced.

  “Phillip,” I said softly. “If you want to walk away right now, I will understand.”

  “It’s just that I can’t believe you’re willing to fight the Family for this. I have never seen…“ He hesitated, then said. “ I’m sorry. Forget it. I said I would stay by your side, and I will.”

  “Thank you, Phillip.” I moved into his arms and he kissed my forehead.

  “Let’s not talk any more. I just want to hold you right now. Hey, listen, it’s the song we first danced to, ‘Change Is Gonna Come’.”

  “You remember that?”

  “Yes, why wouldn’t I? Sam Cook’s the best.“

  He wrapped his arms around my waist, bringing me closer. Our hearts started beating in sync with each other as our bodies swayed slowly to the music. Then he twirled me around.

  “So, what’s this about Saturday night?”

  “Oh yeah, that. My friends are getting together Saturday, and Libby suggested that I bring you.”

  I smiled.

  “I think she’s a little enchanted by you. ”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  He dipped me, bringing me up slowly.

  “But I wish it were you.”

  Rendezvous

  With my hair up in a towel, I came out of the bathroom and sat on my bed. I was thinking about my friends. Will they be safe tonight? Remembering the last dinner date with Marcus, and what happened to him afterwards, made me nervous. I was glad that Phillip would be with me tonight, even though he still thinks I should distance myself from my friends.

  I took a black mini skirt and a red silk blouse from the closet, and then grabbed my black kne
e-high boots. Laying everything on the bed, I walked over to the window and moved the curtains aside. The night was very dark.

  “Marcus” I said aloud. “Why haven’t you contacted me yet?”

  I closed my eyes, focusing on him in my mind, trying to feel his presence. Then, gradually, I started traveling, moving slowly through the swamp and feeling the coolness of the dirt as I walked through the darkness. I sensed him, but did not see him. There was that flowery scent again, surrounding me quickly as it bathed me in its sweetness. I walked a few more steps and heard muffled voices that sounded like chanting.

  Then suddenly, out of the darkness, I felt a hand on my chest like fire. It was Marguerite, pushing me hard.

  “No! she yelled. Her scream jolted me back to my own room. I found myself on the floor, dazed. Marguerite’s image was still in my head, her eyes a yellowish gold, almost catlike. And the sensation of anger that surrounded her was intense.

  “Alixia,” Anna called, knocking on the door.

  “Just a minute.” I tried to regain my composure, pushing hair back from my face and taking deep breaths. I opened the door.

  “You’re not dressed yet? Phillip’s downstairs.”

  “Tell him I’ll be right down.”

  ‘Well, hurry along.” She looked at me intensely. “Are you alright? You look a little unsettled?”

  “Oh, I’m fine, Anna. Just tell him I’ll be down soon, okay?”

  I walked over to the bed and dropped my robe to the floor. I put on underwear, picked up my skirt and stepped into it, and pulled it up to my waist.

  That was weird, that Marguerite got that close to me without me knowing.

  I picked up my blouse and put it on, grabbed a hairbrush and walked over to the mirror.

  I’m going to Marguerites! No more waiting.

  I picked up my boots, and headed downstairs.

  “Alixia, finally!” Phillip said as he and Anna came into the foyer. I sat on the bottom step.

  “Just let me get my boots on, and we’ll go.”

  “Okay then, I’ll leave you to Phillip. I have things in the kitchen to finish. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “It might late, so don’t wait up.”

  She looked at Phillip.

  “I’ll watch over her, Anna.”

  “Thank you, Phillip. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, Anna.” She left, and I rolled my eyes.

  “She frets all the time.”

  “She just loves you.”

  “I know.”

  ”So, anyway.” Phillip said, rubbing his hands together. Where are we going tonight?”

  “To Maurice’s.” I stared into space for a second.

  “What is it?”

  “Nothing. I just hope everything goes well tonight.”

  “It will. Come on.” He stood up, reaching for my hand, and we walked out on to the porch.

  “Good evening, Alixia.”

  “Gabriel, you’re our driver tonight?”

  “Yes, Phillip here has engaged me for the evening.”

  “I thought we could use another pair of eyes tonight, just in case.”

  “That’s a good idea,” I said, as Gabriel opened the door for us. Getting into the car, I touched his hand.

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem. We do care about you Alixia .”

  “I know.” He closed the door and went around to the driver’s side. “Where to?”

  “Maurice’s,” Phillip answered.

  “Very good.”

  As the car moved down the driveway, Phillip leaned over and spoke quietly.

  “I know you’re blocking me from your thoughts. Why?”

  “Because I’m thinking of going to see Marcus tomorrow.”

  “Oh. Did Marguerite contact you? ”

  “No, not yet.”

  “But why would you go there, then?”

  “Something’s going on.”

  He looked at me questioningly.

  “I traveled to Marguerite’s just before I came downstairs. It was weird.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s difficult to explain. I was in the swamp. I could sense them, but I couldn’t see them, and there was this chanting coming through the darkness. But when I moved closer, Marguerite stopped me.”

  “She stopped you?”

  “Yes, she appeared out of nowhere, pushing me back and yelling at me. I didn’t even see her coming. I can’t believe she got that close to me without me knowing.”

  Phillip looked toward Gabriel. I could see Gabriel’s eyes staring back at him through the mirror, as Phillip said, “Did you see anything else?”

  “No. But don’t you think it’s strange that she got so close to me?”

  “No, I told you they have their own powers. That’s why you shouldn’t have gone into their realm. It could have been deadly for you. That’s probably why Marguerite stopped you.”

  “ I never thought of that.“

  “She must be protecting you. I have no idea why.”

  “Phillip!” I laughed, hitting him on the arm.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just curious.”

  “Curious about what?”

  “Why Marguerite is choosing sides. They’re overseers, so they don’t protect. They’re the ones who set up our laws centuries ago. So, why is she letting you disobey them? And why is she protecting these Dark Ones? ”

  “That’s why I am going there tomorrow. I have some questions. I can’t stand this not knowing anymore.”

  He shifted in his seat nervously.

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Didn’t that Dark One say Marguerite would send for you?”

  “Her name is Marista, and yes she did, but I am going anyway.” The car stopped. I looked out the window and saw Libby and Davis standing outside the restaurant. Libby waved and started coming toward the car.

  “We’ll have to finish this conversation later. They’re coming over.”

  Libby tapped on the window, smiling. I got out and she hugged me.

  “I’m so glad you made it.”

  “Yes, and Phillip’s here too.” She broke our embrace, pushing me to the side as Phillip got out of the car.

  “Phillip, you came! How nice.” She took his arm, ignoring me as if I were chopped liver. “It’s so great that you could make it. Come on, Davis, look who’s here.”

  Davis walked over, extending his hand.

  “Nice to see you again Phillip. And Alixia, you’re as beautiful as ever.” He kissed my cheek. “Our table should be ready.”

  Libby reluctantly gave up Phillip’s arm as he took my hand.

  “Where are Robert and Claire?”

  “Don’t worry, they will be here soon. Isn’t it exciting that we’re having a double wedding?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  I looked back one more time, nervously searching for them, before going into the restaurant.

  Once seated, Libby started right in about the wedding. Davis wrapped his arm around her, smiling adoringly.

  ”Yeah, Libby pretty much has both weddings under control already, with or without Clair’s blessing.”

  “Davis!” she said, smiling at him. “Alixia knows how Claire is. She’d be wearing jeans and sandals and a peace sign on her forehead if I didn’t take control of everything. Right, Alixia?”

  “Yes,” I laughed. “I can see her doing that.”

  The waiter came to the table.

  “Are you ready to order?”

  “No, we’re waiting for two more guests. But you can bring us some drinks.”

  “Very good.” He took our orders and left.

  “So, Phillip,” Davis asked with a grin on his face. “What’s with you and Alixia? Are you dating?”

  “Davis!” Libby scolded. “Alixia still cares for Marcus. Don’t ask that.”

  “Why, the guy’s in California! He’s probably dating a bunch of beach girls.” He looked over at me. “Sorry Alixia, I didn’t mean i
t to come out that way. But seriously, he left, so why are you still waiting for him? I don’t get it.”

  The waiter came to the table and started passing out drinks. Phillip asked a silent question.

  Are you okay?

  Yes.

  So, what are you going to say?

  I don’t know. I’m still thinking.

  Do you want me handle it?

  No! I can imagine what you would say!

  Hey, I’m just trying to help.

  “Alixia,” Libby said. “Don’t listen to Davis. He just doesn’t understand.”

  “Understand what? It’s stupid.”

  Libby grabbed his arm before he could finish. Standing up, she said. “Come on, Mister Insensitive. Let’s go dance. Will you excuse us?”

  They walked out on to the dance floor. He rolled his eyes as she continued to lecture him. The music was a slow love song.

  “So, you got out of that one easily enough.”

  Phillip put his arm around me.

  “Yes,” I smiled, still watching them. “Leave it to Libby to handle things.”

  “You have good friends, Alixia.”

  “I know.” I looked toward the entrance again. “Where are they?”

  Phillip looked over, too. “Maybe they had car trouble.”

  I let out a long breath.

  “Where’s Gabriel?”

  “He’s outside, keeping watch. Your friends will be safe tonight. Stop worrying.”

  “Okay.”

  Libby and Davis returned to the table.

  “Hey, Alixia,” Davis said. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Libby’s right, sometimes I don’t think before I say something stupid.”

  “It’s okay. But I haven’t been just sitting by the phone obsessing about Marcus. I’ve been dating.”

  “What?” Libby said, spraying her drink across the table. “You’re dating? Who?”

  “ Oh, Libby,” I said handing her my napkin. She wiped her mouth.

  “Okay, who is the mystery man?”

  “Phillip.”

  He squeezed my hand.

  Oh, we’re dating?

  Just go along with it, to get them off the subject of Marcus.

  Okay.

  Libby looked over at Phillip with a new interest, wondering why I kept that from her.

  “Alixia, how come you never said anything?”

  “I don’t know, I guess I wanted to see where it would go first.” Phillip smiled.